Catherine Juszczyk
I’m someone who enjoys putting the pieces together—both literally and professionally. In my free time, you’ll find me building complex LEGO sets or working through 1,000-piece puzzles, which reflects how I naturally think: I enjoy challenges, patterns, and seeing how individual pieces come together to form something bigger. That same mindset carries into my professional life. I’m deeply curious about people regarding their backgrounds, experiences, and what drives them. While I wasn’t always naturally a “people person,” I’ve grown to genuinely value connection and the perspective that comes from engaging with others. That curiosity is what led me into recruitment. I see my role as more than just filling positions because I enjoy bridging gaps, connecting individuals from different backgrounds, and helping people and organizations better understand each other. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new and create alignment. At my core, I’m driven by growth both my own and the people around me. Whether I’m solving a puzzle, building something from scratch, or connecting with someone new, I’m always looking to understand, improve, and bring things together in a meaningful way.
• Bachelor's degree in International Studies and Asian Studies
• Master's degree in East Asian Studies from University of Texas at Austin
• Focusing on South Korean history and culture
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to adaptability and being able to wear multiple hats effectively. That’s allowed me to step into organizations, understand their needs quickly, and make a meaningful impact—whether that’s scaling headcount, improving processes, or supporting hiring across functions. What I’m most proud of is contributing to the company’s growth as a whole, not just filling roles. As a recruiter, I’m often the first impression a candidate has of the organization, and I take that responsibility seriously. At the core of it, I see myself as a bridge where I am able to connect people, cultures, and opportunities. That ability to bring the right people together and create alignment is what drives both my success and my passion for this field.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Life is big, and there’s so much room to grow and change. It’s important to take a step back and really understand what you want—your strengths, your interests, and the kind of life you want to build—rather than just following expectations from society, family, or others around you. Whether that path is college, trade school, or something completely different, the most important thing is that it aligns with who you are. When you make decisions based on your own values, you build a life that actually feels fulfilling. Be confident in that, and trust yourself enough to choose your own direction.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, it’s clearly an employer-driven market, but what stands out to me most isn’t the market shift, it’s the loss of human connection in the process. What really matters to me as a recruiter is remembering that there’s a person behind every resume. Too often, candidates are left without follow-up, feedback, or transparency, and that erodes trust in our industry. I believe recruitment and HR should be about more than just filling roles, it’s about helping people grow, whether that’s with your organization or elsewhere. That mindset is a big part of why I chose this field. I want to contribute to a more thoughtful, respectful experience for candidates and help bring a sense of humanity back into recruiting. At the end of the day, clear communication and treating people with respect shouldn’t be optional, it should be the standard.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value honesty and open communication above anything else. I believe most issues can be resolved quickly when people are direct, respectful, and transparent with each other. I’m someone who appreciates clear feedback and also gives it in a constructive way, because that’s how we grow and improve. I don’t believe in going around issues or talking behind people’s backs, so I’d rather address things directly and move forward. That approach has helped me build strong, trusting relationships both personally and professionally.
